Leaving UOW - International Students

If you would like to leave UOW, you can notify the University by completing the 'Leave UOW International Form' below. This is especially important if you are a student visa holder. Please read the 'Important Information' section and the relevant section that matches your circumstance and follow the instructions.

1. Important Information

Applying to leave UOW has no bearing on your financial relationship with the University. It cannot be used to seek a refund, nor does submission of it entitle you to a refund. If you have already paid fees for your course, you can apply for a refund if you are eligible. For information about fee refunds visit the International Fee Refund website.

OPTIONS AND PROCESSES FOR LEAVING UOW ARE OUTLINED BELOW:

2. Not coming to Australia

If you do not intend to come onshore anymore to start your studies and have not left for Australia yet, please notify the University by completing the 'Leaving UOW - International' form below and give a reason for why you cannot commence studies.

You should also be asking for a voluntary cancellation of your student visa to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection by contacting an office in your local area.

If you have already paid fees for your course, you can apply for a refund if you are eligible.

3. Returning Home

If you are already in Australia but are returning to your home country and do not hold a student visa:

﻿1. Complete the 'Leaving UOW - International' form below

If you are a student visa holder:

Complete the 'Leaving UOW - International' form below

You will need to provide a copy of your flight ticket and payment receipt before your application is processed. Please note: A flight itinerary will not be accepted as evidence you are returning home.

4. Going to another university - studied less than 6 months with UOW

If you wish to transfer to another Australian university and do not hold a student visa:

1. Complete the 'Leaving UOW - International' form below

If you are a student visa holder and you would like to go to another Australian university, and you have NOT completed 6 months of study under your Final UOW degree (not including study at the UOW College), you will need to be approved for a Letter of Release in accordance with the International Student Release Procedure.

Approval is granted where students are able to provide evidence of exceptional circumstances (click for definition) which prevent them from completing 6 months of study at UOW. All applications must be supported by evidence such as medical certificates, death notices or police reports. International documents should be translated to English. All documentation should be a certified copy of the original document with the exception of the offer letter.

If your release is approved, your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be cancelled by notifying the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of the change to your enrolment at the University.

Please note: Government Sponsored Students are provided a letter of release if their sponsor considers a change of provider to be in the student's best interest and provides written support for that change. These students should attach this document with their application.

5. Going to Another University - Studied More than 6 Months with UOW

If you are a student visa holder and HAVE completed 6 months of study under your Final UOW degree (not including study at the UOW College):

Complete the 'Leaving UOW - International' form below

You will need to attach your offer letter for your new University to the form

6. What is an Exceptional Circumstance?

Exceptional circumstances are defined as circumstances that:

are beyond the control of the student and for which the student is not responsible AND

impacted the student after the acceptance of their offer AND

make it impractical for the student to complete six (6) months of study at the University

Exceptional circumstances may include, but are not limited to - medical grounds, compelling circumstances, or course related circumstances. There are more examples given in the National Code 2018 Standard 13 (click for information).

8. WHAT IS the processing time?

Once all supporting documentation (if applicable) has been received for your application, processing can commence. The University will aim to provide an outcome within 10 working days however during peak periods it may take longer for your application to be assessed. You will receive an email from the International Student Compliance Team acknowledging the receipt of your application and also the outcome. Notification will be sent to the email address that you provided on your application.

Please Note: You should remain enrolled in your course of study during the release process to maintain your student visa obligations.